Forte aggravated the ankle during a Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He was fitted with a walking boot after the game, but he said all along that he planned to play against the Lions in a contest that will decide if the 9-6 Bears make it to the playoffs.

Forte likely is in shaky condition, but the Bears are at the brink. Besides, only Armando Allen and Kahlil Bell sit behind the team's workhorse running back. Any hopes Chicago holds of doing something special beyond Sunday will require Forte's participation.